Solaris Massage

I’ve been going to Solaris when I can for years now. I don’t live in KC anymore or I’d go more often, but definitely make a point to go whenever I’m home visiting family.
I had a hot stone massage in Seattle a few months ago and the stones were so hot they were burning my skin and I had to beg her to remove them. The masseuse said I was just way too sensitive to do hot stone massages, and I wanted to be like «Um, Kip has never burned me once, let’s not blame my skin mkay.»
Anywho, this place is great and very homey. As others noted, it’s not your glossy, fancy-​pants spa environment, but, like, you’re going to be lying on a table naked with your eyes closed, so how important is that really? As long as the massages are good (and they are), people are friendly (they are) and prices are workable (they are), that’s kind of the trifecta.

Gambit Johnson is amazing!!!
I started with a 90 minute massage. I thought she gave the best massage I’ve ever had (I’m 52 and very active/​athletic) and I’ve had a few. I just finished my second massage and I was right the first time. Gambit Johnson is super amazing.
Take the advise from a massage pro and request this lady. Thanks Gambit for taking care of me.

Request for side by side by two females made… Wow, front desk is unprofessional, if you make a masseuse gender request they won’t serve you stating they refuse to rub you with their genitalia… Wow they really went there and they think like that… Well, you don’t get me or my business nor family’s and here’s the Unilocal down you deserve. My gf n I prefer side by side by females to ensure we get a lighter touch n feel more comfortable that way… It’s just a request, not mandatory, and you can keep your retorts and insults about your genitalia to yourself.

Me and my wife visit Solaris for a couples massage. Massage was excellent, Staff were friendly and inviting. Location is easy to get to. The only thing they messed up was our appointment by booking it on the wrong day. But it all worked out in the end. Would definitely
return for another massage.

The world’s Best Husband got me a Solaris massage this year for Valentine’s Day, and I was so grateful I cried actual tears like a human.
Kip is a genius and a goddess, and if I wasn’t on a budget, I’d be at Solaris monthly. I’m sure the others are wonderful, too! I just have always gotten my massages from Kip and so I stick with her. She’s great if you head in with something specific (last night it was my awful neck) or if you just go in and say «I’m stressed, Kip. Make me feel better.» Also, «Kip» is just a really cool name and it’s fun to say out loud, okay.
So. As others have mentioned, this is not a spa-​like massage place. It’s a smallish room in the same building as the Gym KC’s Westside location and has the same kind of quirky sensibility — interesting art and curtains and carpet. It’s exactly my type of place, but it’s understandable, I guess, that some people prefer something more elite feeling, or more institutional. So, you check in and head into a teeny tiny room where you get as nekkid as you’re comfortable with and cover up with a sheet and a light blanket.
There’s usually some sort of music, which helps keep out the ambient noise from outside, but you can actually go later at night (as late as 7:30 or 8, I think) which helps a lot. It was dead quiet the last time I went.
It smells nice, you know, like hippie oils and whatnot, and Kip will chat or keep quiet — she’s pretty good at feeling out what you’re in the mood for. I tend to go with 30 minute massages because any longer and I start to feel awkward or I fall asleep.
Afterwards, you get a nice glass of water and chat, or you can just pay and leave.
Everything about Solaris is just so low-​key and friendly and makes me feel wonderful. It really is a KC gem, and their prices are extremely reasonable.

This place has a great rustic feel to it. It’s not the typical beige, grey or white spa. This seems to be an old office converted to a massage spot with a lot of character. Regardless of the space, it was a great massage, my husband and I had the couples stone massage, late on a Saturday afternoon. The therapists did not rush us, were nothing but gracious, kind and did an exceptional job. I fell asleep during the massage which never happens; I was so relaxed. My husband who was skeptical about the massage said it was in his top 5. We had a super simple and great booking experience, I used their online form and had a response in a matter of hours. When I called to confirm the appointment time it was a very pleasant experience. We had the best experience here and will be going back soon!
I do agree the outside noise can be heard, so if you are easily distracted during a massage, just ask them to turn up the music. Which is really cool, not like that trickling water stuff that makes me just want to use the bathroom in the middle of the massage.

Had a very relaxing massage today with Kat. Enjoyed it very much. I had a couple tight spots and she was attentive to those areas as I requested. She was also careful with my old, arthritic thumb! Thank you!

I love this place!!! I have been going for about a year and a half maybe. One of the things I like about it is the atmosphere when you walk in. It is very kitschy and warm. Not like a spa or salon. No bright lights or people bustling around waiting for appointments. They only have 3 rooms i believe so you won’t be waiting. I always go to Kip and she is always waiting right there for me. There is no rush when you walk in and she always gives you your allotted time. I love the rooms, they each have personal touches from the masseuses. or it seems that way.
Kip has been the only person I have allowed to give me my massages for a long time. I guess a year and a half almost. I am constantly on my feet for work and she has really helped me out. She always listens to my concerns and focuses on the problem areas I have at that time.
My last massage I fell asleep. Maybe a little too relaxed as I kept waking myself up snoring. Oops!
Prices are extremely reasonable too. $ 90 for 90 minutes. I’ll take that.

If I were a rich man I would come here after every workout! Alas, tis not the case for the time being…
I ran my first half marathon this morning and it went really well so I rewarded myself with a 60 minute «Fire and Ice» massage. Absolutely wonderful! The only thing that could have made this massage better is if it had lasted eight hours. After the hour was up I was so relaxed that I never wanted to get up from the table!
I also really think it’s cool that after the massage you are given a glass of water and they sit down to chat with you before paying. Even better this time — Kip gave me a jar of bath salts so the race recovery can continue even after leaving the place!

Very relaxing, very professional! Called with short-​notice and they were able to squeeze me in. In no way did I feel rushed. Ambiance was quite peaceful, and Tara was terrific. I’ll definitely be back!

We did the couples massage on a Tuesday afternoon of playing hooky. I think we both walked away thinking, «that was … nice.»
The atmosphere wasn’t really relaxing when we walked in, but I’m not sure what I was expecting though (there is a lot of wood paneling and obscure pictures).
My massage was good. My wife said her massage was «ok». The only thing I found frustrating was the outside noises. The location is in a good area, but where there is a lot of traffic. This created some distractions to my concentration on relaxation, but I walked out feeling better than when I walked in.
The people were really friendly. The place was easy to find, and in a nice area of town (Check out the restaurants nearby!). Their prices are really good for the experience overall — good service, nice professional people, good massage, ok atmosphere.
Comparably, I think they are the best in town for what we bought.

My wife went to Kip and it was crazy good for her. A particular chronic pain, –Gone! Tension-​Gone! Now, three months later, I’m urging her to make the time, pay the $ 75, and go back already!

I purchased a Google Offer for use here and upgraded from a 30-​minute to a 1-​hour massage. The experience was good, not great. They have some interesting, less than professionally worded policies that you must agree to before accepting treatment. I still recommend them for a convenient downtown massage parlor. I have had better therapists in my life, so I’ll keep looking, but my experience was definitely positive. Give it a shot!

The customer service was great. The massage was enjoyable. My biggest complaint is that the décor is less than desireable. Fake wood paneling gives me anxiety, and carpet with flourescent lights. I think they should paint the paneling .I wouldn’t go back just because I want the spa experience of a relaxing atmosphere. And I paid just as much as I would have elsewhere.

Solaris is unbeatable.

I never actually made it to the part of getting the massage. This review is based on the customer service, or lack of it, I experienced from them related to a (I think) very understandable situation. My husband had set an appointment for me as a birthday gift. I had a business meeting that day but I was intent on making it to the appointment since he had been thoughtful enough to set it up. Unfortunately, it was about 45 mins out from the appointment, my meeting is looking like it’s going to run long (which it did by about 2 hours). I thought it would be polite to call and let them know the situation, not do a no-​show. Well, I was wrong. Kip or whoever manages it was curt from the beginning, quickly went through the 24 hr cancellation policy (which while I wasn’t aware of since I didn’t set up the appt myself and was to be a new customer) and then she tried to shame me by saying something to the effect «it would be like you going into work and only being paid for ¾ day», informed me that someone else had wanted that appointment time, and then asked me quote «when would be the PERFECT time of day» for me. I was trying to explain the gift situation (hence the reservation being in my husband’s name) and that seemed to just piss her off more. All in all, it went beyond poor customer service and into just being a jerk. Disappointing. Finally, as a business owner myself, not an office worker getting paid a salary, I certainly understand our time is money (which is why I called). But I also understand that sometimes you just suck it up and work with your clients in less than ideal situations. I guess I’ll never know what great massages might be given there because the manager was so unnecessarily shrill and rude.

I have been to Solaris before, but I recently received an ashiatsu massage from Kip and it was a whole new experience. I have lower back pain and perpetually tight calves and hamstrings. Clinging to bars mounted on the ceiling, Kip dug in with her feet and released a lot of the tightness I’d been feeling. It’s not for the faint of heart – fine line between pleasure and pain and all that – but she can adjust to your needs and tolerance.
Plus, she dismounted and worked in hot stones and a few other methods to completely relax the smaller muscle groups and fingers and toes.
It was kind of like an amusement park ride. I wanted to go again right after. But, you know, reality happens.
Now, don’t expect a spa. It’s two rooms in a gym. But that’s what attracts me to the place. It’s more about working the kinks out than loofas and foot baths. The rooms are relaxing, the music is more Jose Gonzalez than Zamphir and Kip is so down-​to-​earth you don’t feel self-​conscious talking about the weird dull pain in your glute… if you were to have such a thing.
So go, laugh, relax and leave feeling a little more ready to take on what’s next.

I really enjoyed my massage from Kip at Solaris. I don’t think I have ever been so stressed & in need of a massage. She released the massive tension in my body over 90 minutes of relaxing bliss using a combo of hot stones + her expert hands & tending to focus areas as needed. Just fantastic body/​energywork. Good music (modern, not a snoozefest) & relaxing room. Liked the massage lotions used too. Affordable pricing. I thank Kip for making my mind/​body/​soul lighter & will absolutely be back.

Had a 90 minute couples massage with my husband. The place got us right in, and was easy to find. Did not have to wait at all when we got there either. However, the massage was average. I had deep tissue, and it was more like a swedish. My husband had swedish and said it was average as well. It would be great for someone who wanted something at a great price, easy to get into for an appt, and just wants to relax. Also, it is in a gym, so if you live in the area, it would be great to have the place in your gym! :).

Solaris is a hidden little gem in Kansas City, If you want an amazing relaxing massage you need to see Kip. The prices are great and you leave feeling like a new person. I live in New York City now and make it a point to visit Solaris every time I am in town. They also have great gift certificates.